Portuguese Majolica Lizarad-Monk Jug by Manuel Marfa

These are a near pair of rare Portuguese Majolica of Caldas da Reina jugs or pitchers created by the important majolica designer Manuel Marfa c. 1860-1870. The jugs are in the form of "Lizard Monks" with the bodies of the jugs or pitchers forming the container section; the mouths forming the spouts while the handle is formed by the lizards' tales. The bodies are highly detailed in monk habits with lowered hoods; the finely detailed lizard hands are grasped as if in prayer with the faces uplifted in a singing posture. One jug is slightly larger with a matte glaze and yellow accents; the second jug has a shiny glaze with pale orange accents. The hands, feet and tales of the lizards are finely articulated. The highly glazed jug is in overall very good condition with very tiny glaze imperfections; the matte-glazed example has a couple of minor flakes and one chip to the tip of his habit's arm. These lizard-monk majolica jugs predate the Palissy examples and are more uncommon, especially is this original condition.

*Please contact MJH Design Arts to indicate which jug you wish to purchase.

*We have elected retain the original untouched condition of the jugs; upon buyer's request we will have the piece professionally and invisibly restored.

*The jugs are sold individually; please contact MJH Design Arts for special pricing if purchasing both pieces.